Top 12 from Cape-Atlantic League ….

A dozen girls have been selected as finalists for the Billy Schoppy Award, presented to the athlete from the Cape-Atlantic League Class of 2025 who had the most outstanding high school sports career. The awards originated in 2001 with Jason Kaye of The Flagship Resort in Atlantic City sponsoring them. In 2012, Dave Talarico and Schoppy’s, the area’s finest trophy and award creator, became the sponsor. And in 2017 the award was changed to The Billy Schoppy Award as a memorial to the son of William Schoppy, who created the business in 1921.

This year’s 12 finalists are from 10 different CAL schools and were selected based on their four years of high school sports. Previous winners have included single-sport athletes who were dominant and athletes who played two, three or four sports with success. A complete list of previous winners, plus finalists for each previous year, is available HERE.

The 2025 finalists are, in alphabetical order:

DAIZHAE BROWN (Cedar Creek), a multi-sport track champion in the CAL and South Jersey champion in the triple jump. Headed to Georgian Court.

SOFIA DAY (Mainland), one of South Jersey’s top distance runners, she won four State championships, three in the 800 meters and one in the 1600. Headed to Vanderbilt.

REESE DOWNEY (Absegami), scored 2,092 points in basketball, 6th most in CAL history, including a record 320 three-pointers. She will attend Fairleigh Dickinson.

JAIDAH GARRETT (Absegami), state champion in the long jump. an all star who led the volleyball team with 254 kills and played basketball for 2 years. Headed to UConn.

KILEY KOZLOWSKI (Hammonton), scored 28 goals for championship field hockey team. Had 799 points in basketball. Successful in 4 track events. Headed to St. Joseph’s.

SABRINA LITTLE (Holy Spirit), school record 1532 points in basketball with 122 threes & 197 steals. 4-year starter in soccer. She is committed to Immaculata.

SCARLET McGLINCHEY (Our Lady of Mercy), was the best swimmer on the #1 ranked team in the state. Set records in the breaststroke & relays. Headed to Duke.

LEAH MEARS (Vineland), hit .420 over four softball seasons including 111 hits, 51 for extra bases, and 95 runs. Headed to Towson.

NAOMI NNEWIHE (Ocean City), All State in soccer, scored 86 goals. MVP in CAL Basketball All Star Game. Going to Brown.

MAEVE SMITH (Ocean City), won back-to-back South Jersey cross country titles. Won both 1600 and 3200 in South Jersey track. Headed to Villanova.

ADELINA WILKS (Bridgeton), Scored school record 152 goals in soccer. Scored 1608 points in basketball plus 344 steals. Also ran track. Headed to St. Joseph’s.

The names of the 12 boys finalists will be released tomorrow. The two winners of the Billy Schoppy Awards will be announced next week.